authentic

Whether you like the authentic Taqueira style Mexican food, or the somewhat Americanized Tex-Mex food found around town, you can find both options at El Herradura Restaurant.

Food Adventures with Big Ragu and the Crew have visited this spot on Upper Valley Pike in Springfield a couple of times. We have been there when it is packed, been there when they had Mariachi Bands, and been there on a quiet Sunday afternoon. One night Dayton Most Metro’s own Lisa Grigsby from Dayton Dining even joined us! So this article takes all angles into account.

The menu is extensive, and we’ve tried many dishes. Sure, we can give honorable mention to their delicious queso and salsa, but let’s dig deeper. We discovered some secret offerings that you can take advantage of everyday. But, in our opinion, when it comes to this menu, seafood is king !

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— Located at 1236 Upper Valley Pike in Springfield and open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

— They have a large outdoor patio deck with decorative umbrella tables, and a fun atmosphere

If you get a Taco, get it “Paul’s Way”

— Mom and Pop Restaurantowned by husband and wife Paul and Yadira DePuy. Yadira is a native of Mexico, while Paul grew up in Springfield. The menu reflects some of Yadira’s family recipes and some of Paul’s food loves.

— Large Bar area that is perfect for happy hour or “just drinks” nights.

— HD TV’s throughout the Dining Room for Sporting Events !

We made our way through the literally hundred options on the El Herradura menu and now we point you toward the best stuff on the menu ..

Get ready Dayton foodies, here is your “Must Eats!”

MUST EATS:

— BLUE CADILLAC MARGARITA: This is actually a “must drink,” that packs a powerful punch. We found this to be our favorite margarita. In fact “The King” loved it. His expertise in Margaritas goes back to his Air Force days in Texas! The berry flavor is delicious. Beware: this potent potion is a served in a big margarita glass. Make sure if you order it, that you eat something, or you will be run over by the Blue Cadillac !

“Tilapia Cancun” at El Herradura Restaurant: You gotta try it !

—CANCUN TILAPIA: Grilled, Whole Tilapia served with rice, beans. One of the Big Ragu’s favorite’s. Exotic, delicious and the fish is very tender and delicate. The filet meat slides right off the bone. Sure, you have a whole fish on your plate, but are you a Food Adventurer or not ? Impress your amigos, by ordering this eye catching plate. The taste will have you hooked, pun intended.

— MARISCOS ACAPULCO:Grilled scallops, grilled shrimp, and pan seared imitation crab served on a hot fajita plate with mango, Mexican rice, lettuce, pico de gallo and guacamole. It is creamy and delicious. One of those meals you can’t stop eating, even when you are full.

— TACO’ S PAUL’S WAY: This is a little known secret that is not on the menu. It is how many of the employees and owners eat their tacos.. the authentic way. Paul’s Way Taco’s are served on soft corn tortillas, with your choice of meat, chopped onions, cilantro and fresh limes. There is no cheese on this one. Listen Gringo, these tacos are the real deal, and it is how they serve ’em up South of the border. We suggest the chorizo meat or chicken meat in the tacos. Get an authentic taste of Mexico City, and you don’t need a passport.

— SEAFOOD CHIMICHANGA: Pan seared scallops, shrimp, and a cheese sauce, rolled inside a tortilla. The Chimichanga is not huge, we could have ordered two of them. Your friends will have a fork in your plate looking for a taste, but tell them to scram, Vamoose ! They can get their own. This seafood chimichanga ranks among the top of all time.

Owners Yadira and Paul, DePuy, a true “Mom and Pop” Restaurant !

— SEAFOOD MOLCAJETE: Fish, Scallops, and shrimp served in a bowl with red, yellow and green bell peppers. onions, cheese, rice, tomato, lettuce and sour cream. The pile of seafood is delicious and they’re tagline is “more shrimp than you can eat.” This is a Food Adventure dish for sure !

— FRIED BANANA BURRITO: Banana lovers will crave this sweet dessert. It is like bananas foster in a blanket. Pan seared bananas, wrapped in a tortilla then fried. It is finished with drizzles of chocolate, caramel and cinnamon. Not a large burrito, the size is just perfect for a delicious end to your meal, muchacho.

Springfield has a new El Hefe (boss) in town. Take our lead, hit up the seafood dishes and the Paul’s way Taco’s. Our list of Must Eat’s won’t disappoint. Whether you live in the Springfield area, or are passing through, make El Herradura your destination for a meal, soon. Have a cold Dos Equis on tap for us!

As we leave Springfield and get back on the road, we say to you .. ADIOS AMIGOS, see you next week…